Leetcode #2111: Minimum Operations to Make the Array K-Increasing
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2111 Minimum Operations to Make the Array K-Increasing in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.
Problem Statement
You are given a 0-indexed array arr consisting of n positive integers, and a positive integer k. The array arr is called K-increasing if arr[i-k] <= arr[i] holds for every index i, where k <= i <= n-1.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Hard
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Binary Search
Intuition
The problem structure suggests a monotonic decision, which makes binary search a natural fit.
By halving the search space each step, we reach the answer efficiently.
Approach
Search either directly on a sorted array or on the answer space using a check function.
Each check is fast, and the logarithmic search keeps the overall runtime low.
Steps:
- Define the search bounds.
- Check the mid point condition.
- Narrow the bounds until convergence.
Example
Input: arr = [5,4,3,2,1], k = 1
Output: 4
Explanation:
For k = 1, the resultant array has to be non-decreasing.
Some of the K-increasing arrays that can be formed are [5,6,7,8,9], [1,1,1,1,1], [2,2,3,4,4]. All of them require 4 operations.
It is suboptimal to change the array to, for example, [6,7,8,9,10] because it would take 5 operations.
It can be shown that we cannot make the array K-increasing in less than 4 operations.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def kIncreasing(self, arr: List[int], k: int) -> int:
def lis(arr):
t = []
for x in arr:
idx = bisect_right(t, x)
if idx == len(t):
t.append(x)
else:
t[idx] = x
return len(arr) - len(t)
return sum(lis(arr[i::k]) for i in range(k))
Complexity
The time complexity is O(log n) or O(n log n). The space complexity is O(1).
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.